An infection spreads only when all six links of the chain of infection are connected. Every precaution you take breaks one of the links.

Hand hygiene, PPE, cleaning, and vaccination each break a link in the chain.

✋

Direct (touching the person) or indirect (touching contaminated surfaces or equipment). Examples: MRSA, C. diff, scabies.

💧

Large droplets from coughs and sneezes travel about 6 feet. Examples: influenza, pertussis.

🌫️

Tiny particles stay in the air and travel farther. Examples: TB, measles, chickenpox.

🩸

Through needlesticks, cuts, or splashes to eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin. Examples: HBV, HCV, HIV.

🍽️

Contaminated food, water, or medication. Examples: norovirus, Salmonella.

🦟

Insects or animals that carry germs. Examples: mosquitoes, ticks, rodents.